Gil woke earlier than normal. He lay in bed, just settling himself for the day. Life for the next few days was going to be hard. He needed to savour these precious moments. He breathed in deeply, hoping to imprint the scent on his brain. Breathed in again, relishing the feel of the warm body nestled to his, offering comfort at the darkest of times. He could resist it no longer, stretching out an arm; he softly traced patterns on his wife's bare shoulder. He felt her body stir, snuggle closer to him; a small sigh escaped her lips. He took advantage of her change of position, wrapping his arms around her, holding her close, tight, no space between them, as if they were one. He could lie here, lost in this moment, in space, in time, forever.

He was brought from his reverie, by his wife's body once again shifting slightly. "Mhmmm, what time is it?"

"Nearly one."

She turned in his arms, opening her eyes, capturing his, "I love waking up here, with you. I'm going to miss this." She reached up capturing his lips, pulling at his bottom lip as she drew back.

"I know. So am I."

"Do you have to go?"

"Yeah."

She pouted now, releasing herself from his hold on her, lying on her back, arms folded over her stomach. "What time's your flight?"

"Err, just before three. We have a stop over at Dallas, should be in Amarillo around ten, then according to Nick we have about half an hour before we get to Canyon."

"Did you say goodbye to Lindsey?"

"Yeah, this morning when I took her to school. She's going to look after the bug museum, so don't worry, you won't have to step a foot inside it."

He felt his wife shudder, "Good, because when I promised to love you through sickness and health, `til death us do part, it was you, not your bugs."

"I know sweetheart." He leant over and kissed the tip of her nose. "You know you make it hard for a man to leave."

"So long as you find your way back, I'll reluctantly lend you to the Texas law enforcement."

"You know there's no place I'd rather be than right here."

That earnt him a smile from her, she pushed him back on their bed, stretching herself along his body, before leaning over him and studying his face. Her fingers traced the outline of his features, starting at the hairline on his forehead, her lips followed, leaving soft butterfly kisses in their wake. He closed his eyes; just feeling her touch, memorizing it, just as she in turn was memorizing the look, taste of him. She kissed each of his eyelids in turn, before returning to his lips, her tongue pushing urgently for entry.

It was his turn to shudder, pulling away from her lips, he half gasped, "Cath, Catherine, as much as I love what you're doing, if we continue with this I'm going to miss my flight."

"And that would be a bad thing because?" she captured his lips again.

"Because I've a dead body and possible serial case. Honey I really need to go."

"I know. I just...I'm going to miss you."

"I'll call you every day. I'll be back before you know it."

"I'll keep you to that."

"I'm going to take a quick shower. Okay."

"Do you want anything to eat?"

"No, I'll grab something at the airport, but coffee would be good." With a quick kiss to his wife's lips, he left the haven of their bed, heading straight for their bathroom.

Catherine, meanwhile, went downstairs and started a pot of coffee for her husband. She quickly returned to their room and pulled on some jeans and a red T-shirt, knowing how much her husband loved to see her in that colour. Today red would have a dual purpose.

She checked the small bag he'd packed that morning as he'd returned from work. She retrieved the letter she'd hidden in the drawer of her bedside table, and concealed it between the folds of the dark pants she was sure he'd wear the following day. She smiled as she closed up the bag, imagining the look on his face as he read its contents.

Fifteen minutes later, Catherine was sounding the horn of the Denali outside Nick's building. Her husband took the opportunity to grasp her hand, running his thumb along the pulse at her wrist. She turned her attention from Nick's door, to Gil's face.

"You going to be okay?" He looked concerned.

"Yeah," she leant across and kissed his cheek.

"Make sure you eat properly, get enough rest and don't try to solve every case yourself."

"Gil, I promise I'll take care, you needn't worry, I've got Linds at home fussing over me and the best team of CSI's in the country. We'll be okay. I promise the lab will still be standing when you get back."

He raised an eyebrow at her, but was prevented from replying by Nick opening the rear door, pushing his bag along the bench seat, before climbing in and greeting them both. The short drive to the airport was filled with Nick and Gil discussing the case details they'd received by fax the previous evening. Nick was also reacquainting Gil with the details of the case he'd been working on with Warrick that had instigated this trip to Amarillo.

The Sheriff of Canyon, near Amarillo had contacted Gil after a decomposing body had been found. There was little evidence as to how long the body had been there, but it was infested with a variety of insects. He was called to give his expertise on the case, as he'd read the details, it sounded familiar. They'd had a body, which appeared to have been left in similar circumstances, Warrick and Nick having worked the case. He had a choice as to which of the CSI's he was to bring to support him in gathering any pertinent evidence. He'd chosen Nick due to his knowledge of the area. Nick had been overjoyed by the decision, the thought of breathing in the air of his home state enough to excite him for the rest of the shift. Gil wondered just how much sleep the younger man had got.

Catherine found a parking spot at McCarran airport, not an easy feat on a weekday at the airport. As Nick went ahead, Gil brought one arm to rest around his wife's waist, pulling her to him, the other hand carrying his bags. He needed this connection, this last small moment of contact with her, before he left.

Nick, having charmed the desk staff to upgrade them, gave Catherine a chaste kiss to her cheek and a beaming smile.

"Take care of him for me."

"Will do Cath. I'll see you at the gate, Griss."

"Okay, Nick"

With another smile for Cath and a brief wave he was lost in the crowds heading towards the security point.

Gil circled his arms around Catherine, pulling her to him, so she was facing him. He kissed her forehead, and then reached down to stroke a stray strand of hair from her face. Her eyes captured his pulling him in. He leant down this time capturing her lips in a searing kiss, pulling her tighter, not wanting to let her go.

Finally they pulled apart, tears were forming in Catherine's eyes, he stroked her cheek, "Honey, I'll be back as soon as I can, I promise."

She nodded, "Promise you'll be careful, you'll eat, take care of yourself?"

"I promise." He gave her forehead another kiss, before glancing at his watch. "Baby, I really need to go, or I'll miss my flight. I love you."

"Love you to."

Another brief kiss, goodbye, then they parted. Catherine stood rooted to the spot watching him leave. Every couple of steps, he turned, to catch another glimpse of her. He went through security and stopped on the other side of the metal detectors, searching her out. Yes, there she was, that red T-shirt acting as a beacon to her presence. He continued to turn around, until the building prevented him from even catching the slightest hint of the red of her shirt. He smiled; only Catherine would think so far ahead to wear such an item just for him. What had this woman done to him? Time was, he'd go through the security at the airport his greatest concern being avoiding the toddler who would latch onto his trouser leg insisting he was daddy. Now all his thoughts were of his wife.

He soon found Nick, sitting on one of the chairs outside their gate, reading the sports pages. He sat beside him, happy to just think, think of how lucky he was. Nick telling him their flight had been called, nudged him into awareness. He quickly gathered his briefcase and followed the younger man onto the plane.

The journey to Dallas passed quickly; they used the flight to compare the details of the two cases. Noting similarities and differences and then drawing up a list of information they wanted to check with the case in Texas. As the pilot announced their impending arrival into Dallas, Nick felt prepared, more prepared than he normally was when he first received the details of a case.

Gil took advantage of the stopover to make a phone call home. He knew Lindsey would be home and wanted to take the opportunity to both speak with her and reassure her mother that he'd arrived safely on the first stage of his journey. He delighted in Lindsey's chatter about her day at school, before hearing the phone being passed to his wife. Although they'd only been parted for a few hours, to him it felt like a lifetime. They spent their brief conversation once again declaring their love and reassuring themselves that they were safe and well looked after.

Arriving at Amarillo airport only ten minutes late, they collected their bags before heading out to the arrivals hall. A man with dark brown hair, around Nick's age with the build of Gil was standing holding a sign bearing both their names. Gil and Nick made their way over.

"Dr Grissom? An honour, sir. I'm Sheriff Johnson." He extended his hand for Gil to shake.

"Good to meet you Sheriff. This is Nick Stokes one of my team who was working our case."

The sheriff extended his hand to Nick, who shook it, "Good to meet you."

"You from around these parts?"

Nick beamed, "Yeah, born and raised in Texas. My parents bought a small ranch about ten miles north of Hereford when dad retired."

The Sheriff smiled, "Welcome home."

He was soon driving them away from Amarillo towards Canyon. "I must say Dr Grissom, I am honoured you could come out here to advise on this case. I heard you speak about the importance of insects a couple of years ago at a law enforcement conference, now what was your lecture called?"

"Insects, the silent witness'?" Gil offered.

"Yeah that was it, absolutely fascinating. I kept all the notes, something told me it would come in useful one day."

Gil smiled, "I'm just glad to hear I didn't put you to sleep."

The Sheriff laughed, "Nah, I must admit I stumbled on your lecture by accident. I was supposed to be in another one about interrogation techniques, but I was too interested to leave."

"Thank you."

Nick sensing his supervisors need to change the subject decided to help him out, "So Sheriff …"

"Please call me Rob."

"Okay, Rob, your report stated the body was found in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, by a ranger. Would it be possible to meet with him?"

"That'll be no problem, Amy, the ranger who found the body, she's back at work. We can go out there first thing tomorrow, she'll be able to show you where the body was. She's a good ranger. Her father is a police officer up in Amarillo, so she knows all about preserving crime scenes, she'd done a real good job when I was out there."

Rob then filled them in with the details of the case. It was difficult to ascertain without seeing the full coroners report whether the cases were linked, but there were too many similarities in the mutilation of the bodies to discount this theory. Nick, now that he was here, in Texas, had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach that they were indeed dealing with a serial case.

The sheriff pulled the car in at a small motel on the outskirts of Canyon. "I took the liberty of booking you in here. You need to get a good rest, I'll come by around five tomorrow, so we can get out to the Park before the tourists are swarming!" He beamed at them, waving his hand and sounding his horn before leaving them outside the motel.

They checked in, both thankful of the time to acclimatise before starting on the case. The first thing Gil did, on reaching his room, was sit on the bed, his back leaning against the headboard, he pulled the room's phone onto his lap and dialed the lab's number in Las Vegas, asking to be directed to his office by the switchboard.

"Hello, Grissom's office."

"Warrick? Is that you?"

"Oh hey, Gris. How's Texas?"

"Too dark to say right now. Sheriff's friendly though. How's the shift?"

"Quiet. We're managing to clear some of the paperwork, you'll be glad to hear."

"Is Cath around?"

He was initially met by silence from Warrick, the younger man obviously debating what to say, before he finally decided. "She's not been too well I think she has the flu or ate something that didn't agree with her. I've been trying to send her home all shift, but you know what she's like. Do you want me to find her?"

"Would you mind?"

"Not at all, maybe you could talk some sense into her." With that, Gil heard the phone being placed on his desk, followed by a long silence.

A couple of minutes later he heard a muffled conversation, followed by the sound of a door closing, before hearing what he craved, her voice. "Hey baby, you arrived okay then?"

"Yeah. How are you? Warrick's worried you know."

"I know, but it's part of the deal. We agreed not to say anything just yet. I'll be okay, honestly."

"You sound tired."

"A little, but it's quiet tonight, so I'm only doing paperwork."

"You'll be careful if a case comes in?"

"You know I will. If it makes you feel better, I'll stay here, in the lab unless we get swamped."

"Sorry. I just worry."

"I know, but it's good to know you do. It lets me know you love me."

"Don't ever doubt that."

"So what are you up to?"

"I'm sitting on my bed in a motel room, missing you."

"Are the locals friendly?"

"The Sheriff's a good guy, really helpful. He's even been to one of my lectures, that's how he knew to contact me."

"That's great honey. Oh before I forget, Lindsey has a soccer game on Saturday, she wanted to know if you'll be back by then."

"Don't promise her anything, but tell her I'll try my best."

"Okay."

"I'd better go baby, that way you can get all of my paperwork done by the time I get home."

"You wish."

"Love you, take care, and eat something Cath."

"Love you."

The phone call ended, Gil decided to have a quick shower before going to bed. He always felt he smelt of an airplane after travelling on one and knew the only way he'd get any rest was to erase that smell.

The next morning he was cursing, having overslept he'd not been able to call Catherine before leaving the motel for the day. Despite her reassurances the previous night, part of him was still worried for her. He'd barely had time to wash, drag on the jeans he'd travelled in the previous day and retrieve the first shirt he came to in his bag, before Nick knocked on his door. He'd quickly collected the files he'd brought with him before slamming the motel room's door behind him and heading towards the sheriff's vehicle.

The drive out to the state park allowed Gil to become accustomed to the change of countryside, while Nick and Rob chattered away like old college roommates discussing the possibilities for the Cowboy's in the forthcoming season.

As soon as they arrived at the park, Rob checked in at the ranger's station. He emerged a couple of minutes later, a tall blonde woman at his side. "Amy Williamson, these two gentleman are Nick Stokes and Gil Grissom, from Las Vegas, they've been called in to look at our evidence."

Amy smiled her hello, and then Nick graciously gave up the front seat, joining Gil in the back. They drove along the park road for about ten minutes, before taking a track, which forked off at the left heading down into the canyon. To say the track was uneven would be an understatement; both Nick and Gil were tossed around in the back as the SUV took gravity defying lurches from one side to the other. Both were more than grateful when their journey abruptly ended.

Their journey had stopped at a small plateau, surrounded by vegetation. A pathway wound through the trees and bushes, but its entrance had been daubed with the familiar yellow tape indicating a crime scene.

Amy pointed beyond the path, "The body was found down near the river bed. It's about a forty, forty-five minute hike down there. I suggest we make sure we have everything before heading down there as I don't envy you hiking up and down this path all day."

Having ensured the equipment they needed was evenly spread amongst the four of them, and that they all had a good supply of water they started their journey.

Amy was right to warn them of the terrain, the ground was not the easiest to negotiate, several times both Nick and Gil slipped sending down a rain of stones. On reaching the relatively even ground of the river bed, Gil observed that Rob was indeed right in his praise of Amy's skills at preserving evidence. He made a point of congratulating her, at the praise she just muttered somewhat embarrassed about her daddy having taught her everything.

Nick was soon engrossed in searching the ground for any footprints. They were lucky; the ground was still relatively wet from seasonal rainfall. As he approached the bushes, he found what he was seeking, two clear footprints, one slightly deeper than the other, suggesting one leg was heavier or being favoured at the expense of the other, exactly what he'd found at the scene on Mount Charleston. He quickly set about photographing them, measuring them, then preparing and producing casts of them. As he was waiting for the cast to dry, he searched the surrounding area for any more footprints, finding another couple of sets that matched his initial find, he photographed and measured these. But found no other tracks apart from their own.

Gil meanwhile was busy examining the area where the body had been found, looking for any evidence. He noted and photographed the surrounding fauna, as at this stage he was unsure of which insects had been found on the body, and he was well aware some might have abandoned their natural habitat.

It was approaching two in the afternoon when they returned to the ranger's station. The Sheriff and Nick headed inside to talk with Amy. Gil held back, looking at his watch, completing a quick calculation in his head it would be nearly noon back home. What would Catherine be doing? He hesitated briefly, then reached for his cell phone, hoping that out here in the relative wilderness he'd still be able to get service. He dialed, holding his breath until the familiar ring tone could be heard.

"Hello?"

"Hey honey, how are you doing?"

"Gil! Better, much better."

He was relieved to hear her sounding better, some of the laughter returning to her voice. "You eaten anything?"

"Yeah, and kept it down. You'd be proud."

He could almost hear the grin he imagined was now plastered over her face. "That's good baby, real good. How was the rest of your shift?"

She yawned before answering, "Ohh, uhmm, only one case, arson. Warrick took Greg out to gather evidence."

"Does that mean my paperwork's all done?"

"You wish!" She giggled, which initiated another yawn. "How's Texas?"

"We've been out at the scene, Nick found some footprints, which matched his case. We're about to go over and meet the coroner, then we can hopefully get a time frame, which could lead us to our killer."

He was greeted to the sound of Catherine once again yawning. "Sorry, honey."

"No, it's okay, I should let you get some sleep. I'll call later this afternoon when Linds is home."

"That'd be good. I love you."

"Love you."

With a genuine smile on his face for the first time that day, Gil headed into the ranger's station, to hear the end of Amy's report about the body that had been discovered.

They grabbed the sandwiches that Amy offered them before heading back to the SUV and the journey to the county morgue. Rob had called ahead to the coroner informing him of their impending arrival. They were glad of the cool confines of the morgue after the morning's activities.

The coroner was an amiable man, who'd been converted by Rob, into becoming a fully paid up member of the entomologist appreciation society. He led them into his small office, Gil noting his desk was scattered with a variety of books detailing a variety of insects. Noting Gil's interest in his desk, the coroner had smiled half shyly, "Uhmm, I've been trying to identify some of the insects. You know make a head start." He quickly started to close the books.

Gil smiled, "No, that's good. So what have you established so far?"

"Well I've not identified much, only really started last night, and it was quite a busy night. What I have is these." He retrieved a series of glass jars.

Gil took them from him, holding them up and studying the contents of each one. He returned them to the coroner, "Well judging by this, I can tell you the body has been there for at least four weeks."

Rob and the coroner for a moment looked a little doubtful, until Nick questioned, "Is this like the Randy Traschel case?"

"Yeah, what we have in those jars is green blowflies and their pupal casings and black soldier flies. Just like the Randy Traschel case."

"Could you give us a copy of your full report?" Nick asked the coroner.

"As we've not yet identified the body, I can not only do that, but talk you through it with the body. We've some spare lab coats around here somewhere." He again started to hastily search his office, eventually locating the lab coats.

Nick and Gil spent the next hour and half listening to the coroner explain his discoveries, then answer their questions about the case. As they left the morgue, there was no doubt that this case was linked to theirs.

They found the Sheriff on the phone at the front desk; he waved them to some seats, while he concluded the call. Then turned to face them, "I've had Amy fax over a copy of her records of campers and people who hired out cabins between two and six weeks ago. Do you have similar records for your case?"

Nick smiled, "Yeah, I brought a copy with me."

"How about we go back to my office, Amy's records should have arrived by the time we get there and we can cross reference them."

After an hour searching the information starting at the approximate date of the murders they had a possible lead. The name Jon Clifford appeared on both lists, around the time both murders were committed. They now needed to find the evidence to link him to the case. As it was approaching seven in the evening and they'd had such an early start, the Sheriff suggested they break for the day, coming back fresh the next morning would allow them to work a lot faster and more efficiently.

Having ensured there was nothing else that required his attention, he offered to take them out for a meal. They enjoyed a steak dinner, before Nick and Gil retired to their respective motel rooms. Gil immediately settling himself for a conversation with Lindsey, he was disappointed to hear the babysitter answer the phone, Catherine having already left for the lab. He delighted in hearing the details of Lindsey's day, her excitement over her soccer practice that afternoon. He was careful not to promise to be back in time for the game, instead offering to try his best.

As he finished the conversation, he glanced at his watch, if he called Catherine now she'd be about an hour into the shift, trying to organize herself and the team for the night. He knew from experience that wasn't a good time to be disturbed. He instead decided to have a shower, clean away the dust of the day, and then call her afterwards.

When he tried to call his wife at the lab it was to no avail. He could only leave a message, as she'd been called out on a double homicide. In all likelihood, she'd be away from the lab for the majority of the shift, at least when she returned she'd know he was thinking of her. With that small consolation Gil settled himself for sleep, determined to call her in the morning.

The next morning Gil and Nick entered the sheriff's office looking refreshed, both clad in jeans, aware they may need to return to the crime scene if the necessary evidence couldn't be found from amongst what had already been gathered. Rob greeted them as old friends, and then proceeded to show them a profile of Jon Clifford.

Their suspect had a prison record from ten years ago, when he'd served five years for aggravated assault. His medical details could well be the missing link they required; they indicated he had a prosthetic leg, from a car accident. Nick smiled, "Gotcha!"

A plan forming in his mind, Gil delegated the casts to Nick, instructing him to gather a case, that the prints were indeed from a man with a prosthetic leg, to determine the shoe size and if possible type.

Gil found a quiet office to examine the clothing, looking for any fibres, or any evidence that could be linked to Clifford.

As lunchtime approached, Gil had carefully examined the jeans and shirt their victim was wearing but discovered nothing. He turned his attention to the belt. Carefully dusting the buckle with fingerprint powder, he found a partial print. He sent a copy of it to the lab in Las Vegas, to be compared with Clifford's, knowing their larger facilities would allow for a quicker identification.

Having satisfied himself that there was no other evidence to be found on the clothing, he went in search of Nick. The younger man had made great progress; he'd been able to ascertain that the footprints were from someone wearing size eleven Nike running shoes. The one footprint was significantly depressed suggesting a heavier weight on the one side of the body, which was consistent with someone who had one of the older prosthetic limbs. Knowing that Clifford had been in prison and had no work record since his release, it was likely that his leg would be one of these older types, having no insurance, or means to replace the one he'd been fitted with some twenty years ago.

They were just about to go in search of some lunch, when Rob had found them. "Great news, we've got him."

"What? How?" Nick asked surprised.

"I sent his details to all the state and national parks, knowing that both victims had been attacked in a park. A ranger up at Glacier National Park thought the picture looked familiar and went with some state police to the guy's cabin. They challenged him; he admitted he was Jon Clifford. During his interview he apparently confessed to committing both murders and is going to be brought back to Amarillo to face trial."

"So we're free to go?"

"Not quite, Nick. Our D.A. will need to talk to you tomorrow about the case, and the evidence you have uncovered. He'd see you today, but unfortunately is in court for the rest of the day."

Nick grinned, "Well in that case, once we've finished here, how about coming over to my parent's ranch for some home cooking?"

Gil looked a little uneasy, "I'm sure your parent's will be glad to see you Nick, you go ahead. I'll stay in town."

"Ahh, come on Gris. My mom will not forgive me if she finds out I left you here on your own. She's a great cook, she'll make a feast you'll never forget."

At Nick's pleading Gil had given in, to be greeted by a grin from Nick as big as his home state. Nick had ensured Rob would also join them.

Later that afternoon, having catalogued all the evidence in preparation for their meeting, Gil stepped out of the shower in his motel room, quickly drying himself and reached into his bag for fresh clothes. He pulled out his dark pants and watched in amazement as an envelope escaped their folds. He quickly pulled them on, before reaching down to pick up the letter. He studied the outside; tracing his hand over the familiar handwriting as if by doing so he could find an invisible link to her. Slowly he brought it up to his face, smelling the faint scent of her perfume on it. He smiled. Carefully he eased it open and gently pulled the single sheet from within.

`My dearest Gil,

My husband. I never tire of those words nor will I ever. Have I told you how much you mean to me? How much I love you? How thankful I am for you in my life?

It scares me sometimes to think how much I love you. I never knew I could feel so complete, so loved until you came into my life. You are my light, my beacon in the darkest of times, with you by my side I am strong enough to face each day. You have given me back my life. You are my life. When I lie in your arms I feel safe, secure, for the first time in my life.

Have I told you enough how much I love you? I don't think I have, or ever could. Until the day I die and beyond you have captured my heart. I know with you it has found a saviour and there is nowhere I would rather have it kept.

So my Gil, my love, in these days that we are apart take comfort that you carry my heart with you.

I will love you for the rest of time.

Catherine'

Gil finished reading the letter; a warm feeling filled his stomach. To know she loved him was enough, but to have her express it to him in this way was something he'd never expected. He wanted, no needed to be with her right now, to let her know of his feelings, but that was impossible. He had to wait here in Texas, see her the following day. He didn't even have time to call her, any minute now Nick would be knocking, filled with the excitement of seeing his parents.

Gil quickly retrieved a white shirt, hastily buttoning it, and then tucking it into his pants. He pulled on his leather jacket, then tucked the letter into the inside pocket, at least her sentiments could rest next to his heart for the evening.

Nick's parents made Gil and Rob feel part of their family. Nick was right, the feast his mother had prepared at such short notice was one they wouldn't forget in a hurry.

The meal over, they retired to the lounge. Nick, his dad and Rob were soon engrossed in a discussion of the Cowboy's upcoming season. Gil excused himself, going out to the porch to call his wife.

"Grissom's office."

"Warrick, is Cath around?"

"Sorry, Gil, no. She's still not well, spent most of the evening in the bathroom. I thought you talked to her, tried to get her to take some time off." The concern clear in his voice.

"I did, but you know Cath. Is she still in the bathroom?"

"Yeah. Do you want me to have her call you when she's out?"

"That would be good. I'll have another talk to her."

"Good luck."

"Thanks Warrick."

Gil sat on the porch steps, waiting for her return call. The night was pleasantly warm. It was a clear night. He looked up at the stars, remembering that night several years ago when he'd stood with Catherine contemplating their part, and the part of carbon in the universe. Absently he started to softly, half whisper the names of the stars and constellations as he identified them. He wasn't aware of being joined on the porch, until he heard the voice behind him;

"Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight."

He turned, to see the smiling face of Nick's mother.

"Sorry. Something I used to do with Nicky. He'd always want to know the names of the different stars and constellations. He used to love it when we went camping, away from the town and city lights, camping under starlight."

Gil smiled. "You never quite realise how big the universe is until you see a sky full of stars."

"That's right. Are you okay out here on your own? You seem a little lost."

Gil suppressed a chuckle. Nick's mom was certainly perceptive. "I tried to ring my wife. She's being sick, so couldn't come to the phone. She's going to call back in a couple of minutes. But you're right, without her I'm lost." The older lady came and sat beside him on the steps, patting his hand, he continued. "I look up at the stars and wonder how they cope being alone, they look so lonely, lost in the universe millions of miles apart."

She chuckled, "Oh my Dan, used to say that." She patted his hand again. "Your wife? I hope it's nothing serious."

Gil smiled, something about her made him feel like he could trust her, "No, it's nothing like that, she's got morning sickness, we're having a baby."

He felt two arms encircle him to hug him. "Congratulations."

"Thank you, but please don't say anything to Nick yet, we want to wait a little before telling people at work."

"I understand. Tell your wife to try peppermint or ginger tea. When I was having Nick and his sisters that's what got me through those first few months."

"Thanks..." His cell phone ringing interrupted Gil.

"I leave you in peace to talk to your wife." She got up and headed inside while Gil answered his phone.

"Grissom."

"Hey baby. Warrick said you called. Checking up on your paperwork?"

"Cath, honey, I got your letter. I just needed to hear your voice. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. But Warrick's getting suspicious. I think our little secret is going to have to be revealed soon, if I carry on like this for much longer."

"I may have an answer. Nick's mom swears by peppermint or ginger tea."

"I'll try just about anything now. When are you coming home?"

"I'll be home tomorrow. I just wanted to tell you I love you."

"I love you too."

Gil could barely get through the meeting with the DA fast enough the next morning. Rob had agreed to travel with them to Amarillo, meet with the DA before taking them to the airport.

Having said their farewells, Nick and Rob swapping contact details so they could arrange to go to a Cowboy's game together with Nick's dad when the season started, they started back on their journey to Las Vegas.

As he felt the landing gear lock into place, the anticipation in Gil's stomach grew, not for fear of their landing, but in excitement at being home. As he left the baggage claim, Nick by his side, he sought her out. He caught sight of the red first. Before a smile spread across his face, recognizing her. She half ran to him, finding the comfort of his arms encircling her, before their lips met in a kiss. She pulled back slightly studying his face, lightly tracing her fingers over his features, before reaching up to capture his lips in a quick kiss, aware Nick was now beside them. She stood beside Gil, her arm snug around his back, while his was around her waist.

"Hey Nicky."

"Hey Catherine." Nick bent to kiss her cheek.

The three of them left the airport. They dropped Nick off at his apartment, before Gil drove them home, to continue their reunion alone just the two of them.

The End